Activated charcoal is created from bone char, coconut shells, peat, petroleum coke, coal, olive pits, bamboo, or sawdust. It is in the form of a fine black powder that is produced when regular charcoal is activated by exposing it to very high temperatures.
The activated charcoal acts like a sponge: Toxin particles bind to the surface of the activated charcoal so that the toxin is less likely to be absorbed into the body. This works best with toxins that contain organic particles (which are compounds that contain carbon and are usually bonded with oxygen, hydrogen or nitrogen).
1. Balances oily skin
Oily skin? Activated charcoal may be just the ingredient you need to balance things out. Used in a cleanser or mask, activated charcoal can pull the unwanted excess oils from your skin, leaving it smooth. You’ll want to do this sparingly–once or twice per week at the most–so that you don’t dry out your skin. If you already have dry skin, you’re best to steer clear of it for this use.
2. Treat acne
Depending on the specifics of your acne–how severe it is, what’s causing it and what else is going on–activated charcoal may be able to help. In soap form, it’s slightly gritty, which might provide the gentle exfoliating you need. It will also absorb oils and toxins on and below the skin. You can use it as a spot treatment if you don’t want to use it on your whole face–just think of it as a mini mask for your blemish.
3. Deep cleanse your skin
You can find cleansers that contain activated charcoal in pretty much every drug store these days. Some may be a little more powerful than others; don’t use these ones daily, as you don’t want to soak up the healthy oils and moisture your skin needs. Check out the other ingredients if you’re buying a liquid cleanser–some are designed to neutralize the acidity in your skin, others have deodorizing properties; some can even double as shaving cream. Buy the product that best suits your personal combination of needs and follow the directions on the bottle.
4. Soothe and heal bites, cuts and skin irritations
Whether you were stung by a bee or had a cut from the kitchen that’s become infected, activated charcoal can help speed the healing and relieve the symptoms. For minor skin ailments–including insect bites, stings, cuts, scrapes and minor infections–activated charcoal can be applied topically. The activated charcoal, when applied as a paste, helps absorb venom and infection. It will also bring down swelling and lessen pain.
5. Smaller pores
Throughout the day, toxins from the world around us clog our pores. When your pores aren’t clear, neither is your complexion. Activated charcoal–when used in a face mask–binds to dirt and helps pull it out of your pores, making them less visible (it’s the oil and dirt that makes them appear bigger). This leaves your face feeling fresh.